Another problem has gotten less attention. There's a period of more than 10 seconds in which Zimmerman seems to observe Martin loitering, and 'looking at all the houses.' This isn't mentioned in any of the SPD interviews. It seems to be directly contradicted, in statements that suggest, more or less strongly, that Martin was already approaching when Zimmerman became aware of him at this point.

From the reenactment, when they're still in the car, approaching the location where GZ parked his vehicle on TTL, right when the wind kicks up and drowns out most of what GZ is saying, it sounds like he says "And I saw him st....". I hear a strong "st" sound, like he's either saying "standing" or "staring", though I lean towards "standing". I believe this may have been GZ describing something similar to the 10 seconds you are referring to.

0:54-1:16The 'black male' and 'button' comments suggest that Zimmerman was getting a close look at Martin for the first time. Listening to Zimmerman's voice on the recording, I feel it is very hard to believe this is not the case.

In the SPD interviews, Zimmerman claimed to have had at least one close look at Martin before he called the police.

I also agree that GZ is getting a particularly clear view of TM at this point in time, and noticing things he hadn't noticed earlier, or wasn't certain of, anyway. I think this is consistent with GZ parked on TTL, facing east, with TM approaching him head-on, likely being illuminated by GZ's headlights (approaching his SUV, leading up to the circling). I'm not sure what portion of the SPD interviews you're referring to where he claims he had "at least one close look at Martin before he called the police."

I believe this may have been GZ describing something similar to the 10 seconds you are referring to.

On the recording, it is immediately after this period that Martin begins approaching.

In the reenactment, Martin walks away from Zimmerman, turns and walks out of sight between buildings, then re-appears before approaching and circling the truck. None of this action is mentioned in the recording, and on the theory you suggest there isn't time for it.

I don't see where GZ said he had "at least one close look at Martin before he called the police"

If you watch the reenactment, or examine the map that Zimmerman marked, I think it is clear that he was claiming to have had a close look. I did not say or imply that 'close look' was a verbatim quote.

As we've seen in several instances, "close" is relative (and no cigar). I'd guess by the verbiage used in the NEN, GZ goes from thinking TM looks black to confirming without question that he is black. The first look may have been close. The later look was probably closer and/or with better lighting. I am not aware of how great the lighting is on RVC or TTL in the locations GZ observed TM, but it would seem to make sense that a look that allows him to confirm the race and relative age of the person wearing a hoodie would more likely occur with that person walking towards him than from following him (GZ's headlights would have also aided if viewing TM in this manner). If the only time I had ever seen TM was the 7-11 video (grainy video, decent lighting), there is no way I could tell you his age within 20 years.

At approximately 6:00 in, RZ Jr. mentions how GZ had been waiting for a person to take his call. Sounds like he's implying GZ was on hold (without actually using the term "hold"). He also doesn't mention how long he was on hold, or "waiting", but it seems he's at least trying to imply the duration was significant.